City batsman is waiting patiently for his chance to shine as part of Chennai Super Kings IPL team

For 22-year-old Pune cricketer Ruturaj Gaikwad moving ahead step by step is a habit which he adopted since his playing days in the under-14 category.

Gaikwad has already earned his name in the domestic Indian circuit and now, part of Chennai Super Kings team for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 – Gaikwad is polishing his mental skills under captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known within the team as Mahi. Squeezing time out from his busy schedule, Gaikwad padded up for a quick WhatsApp chat with Jigar Hindocha. Excerpts.

For how long have you been trying for an IPL contract?

Actually, since I started playing cricket professionally I felt like I should be part of the IPL.

What advice do you look for from MS Dhoni about the game?

I usually ask Mahi bhai (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) about the mental aspect of the game. How he understands situations and adapts accordingly.

Overall, what has been your IPL experience so far?

One of the best experiences I have ever got. I got to learn the things that are more important other than cricket or you can say got to know the meaning of what really experience means and why it is counted.

Which domestic tournament did you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the Ranji Trophy challenge. You get to play on different pitch conditions and different atmospheres. So every game is a challenge. I also enjoy playing the one day game that is the Vijay Hazare trophy, because I like one day cricket from the beginning and it suits my game.

When we will see Ruturaj in the Indian team?

Actually, I don’t set goals. Just go match by match each time I get to play and try to be consistent enough.

Your thoughts on the talent coming from Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has been one of the best-limited overs team in the country.

For the last three years, we are entering the knockouts every year and I think it’s time now to lift the trophy.

We as a unit are looking forward to doing better in red-ball cricket as well and hopefully, we will turn things around this time.